Open enrollment is under wayOpen enrollment runs Nov. 2–20 this year. It’s your once-a-year opportunity to go online and make changes to your benefits for the next year. You have a special opportunity to choose quality, affordable health care this open enrollment: Before making any changes during open enrollment, read up on all of the benefit changes for 2010. Review the mailer that was sent to your home mailing address and go to www.kingcounty.gov/employees/openenrollment for updated open enrollment information, including instructions on how to make changes online. Important things to do during open enrollment - Remove the benefit access fee if your covered spouse/domestic partner does not have access to medical coverage elsewhere. This year, the benefit access fee for covering a spouse or domestic partner who has access to medical coverage elsewhere is increasing from $35 a month to $50 a month. If you’re eligible for an exemption to the benefit access fee and don’t remove it during open enrollment, the non-refundable $50/month fee will automatically be deducted from your paycheck beginning in January 2010.
- Re-enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA) if you have an FSA this year and want an FSA in 2010. Any FSA you currently have does not roll over into next year.
- Elect the before-tax deduction if you’re a part-time transit operator in the Partial Benefits Plan and you want your benefit payments taken as a before-tax deduction in 2010. Before-tax deductions you currently have do not roll over into next year.
To review your benefits package and make changes for 2010, go to www.kingcounty.gov/mybenefits and follow the instructions to sign in. At your personal page, click on My Benefits on the left side of the screen and then on Open Enrollment, review the information on the Checklist page, and get started with your online open enrollment. It’s very important that you make your open enrollment changes online Nov. 2–Nov. 20. Changes will not be accepted after Nov. 20 because of the shortened work week caused by the furlough day and Thanksgiving holidays the following week. If you have questions or need help making open enrollment changes online, contact Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 on weekdays from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. during open enrollment. Understanding your benefitsAs a King County employee, you receive a comprehensive package of health and insurance benefits. You may also set aside pre-tax dollars into flexible spending accounts to save money on your medical and dependent-care expenses. Wondering whether your health plan covers a specific condition or procedure? Look it up in your plan booklet (regular employee booklet, part-time transit operator booklet or deputy sheriff booklet), and then contact your plan with follow-up questions. If you need additional help, contact Benefits and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov. Your retirement Most King County employees participate in one of several mandatory state retirement plans. However, the county also offers you the opportunity to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program as a supplement to your state retirement plan and other investments you may have. Other featured benefitsYou can take advantage of free financial, legal and counseling services through the Making Life Easier program and the Employee Assistance Program. Attend one of the free Home Ownership Program classes – you might be able to save thousands of dollars buying, selling or refinancing your home.
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